Some may disagree, but I believe anyone can become a GREAT actor with the right training.

There are so many acting schools out there that it can be really challenging finding the one that is RIGHT for you.

There are many acting schools teaching different methods, techniques and skills ranging from acting schools that teach just a technique to schools that teach camera skills to schools that focus on scene studies and then there are drama acting schools that might be anywhere from one to three years part-time or full-time, offering voice, movement, theatre history, camera skills, acting skills and techniques as well as performance and agency showcases.

Some of these drama acting schools may be highly regarded and some may not. Often actors think they have to get into the top acting schools to be a success and if they don't get in then they have failed.

But getting into the top acting schools doesn't necessarily mean that you are getting the training that is RIGHT FOR YOU!

Actors can go through these top acting schools and still not come out the other end a great actor. Instead they have paid huge fees and still feel insecure about who they are and about their ability as an actor. They can do their showcase and not get an agent and not get work so it's irrelevant if they got into the top acting schools or not.

First things are first; find the training that is RIGHT FOR YOU! You are the one that has to live with yourself. If you feel for some reason that you are in the wrong place LEAVE there are many other schools and teachers out there and there is one that is right for you to help you UNLEASH your natural instincts and abilities as an actor.

When searching for the right school, don't just take a place because one is offered to you. Shop around, research the schools, talk to graduates (not the actors at the school they will say it's great because it supports the fact that they are there) ask graduates what they liked or didn't like. Sit in on classes where possible.

Don't always feel like you need a drama acting school that offers everything. You can go to one teacher for acting another for voice and another for camera skills and so forth.

You'll know if the school is right for you or not after a certain amount of time there. Be honest with yourself. If you are putting in the work and applying the techniques that they are teaching and you feel after 6 months (less or more) that your ability as an actor is not improving, well then consider changing acting schools. Obviously building muscles takes time and as an actor that's what we do, train and build different muscles, so I'm not saying if after a few weeks nothings changed leave, I'm saying apply yourself and then in 6 months or a year you really believe that you haven't improved or the teaches are struggling to help you, look for a school that will serve you better.

To your acting success

Leanne Mauro